MikWar Loc: Chicago, Western Suburbs

A couple of day ago I posted "Is it me or the camera?" here. In it I posted some pictures that I had recently taken and wasn't happy with. Well after 4300 fellow Hogs looked at the post and about 45 gave some considered responses, the answer is unequivocally - ME. To boil down all the comments, it's not the camera - it's the knowledge of the person using the camera that makes the biggest difference. I carefully read all the suggestions (yes, some were contradictory) and tried to incorporate them (except those that suggested I take a lengthy class on how to use a camera) on my foray this morning with the rented Nikon 7500.

Things I did differently - it was not a cloudy day; I learned how to change the exposure compensation; I moved the ISO from 800 to 400; I learned how to set a single focus point; I used a tripod; I didn't try BIF - just tried to get some birds that were closer to me. I want to thank again all those who took the time to make suggestions on how to use the camera better.

So below are some of the ones I'm happy with from today. All were taken with the Nikon 7500 and a Tamron 100-600. How'd I do, coaches?

Common Yellowthroat

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Common Yellowthroat

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I like this one as the 7500 peered through some leaves to focus on the bird.

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Great Egret

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Eastern Phoebe(?)

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Eastern Phoebe(?)

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BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

Much better. Glad you were able to glean a little good advice from so many comments. Btw, I did not comment during your first post.
Bud

MikWar Loc: Chicago, Western Suburbs

Thanks Bud, for this comment. I think my expectations for the camera caused me to ignore what little I did know about setting up the shots.
Mike

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Well, that's a significant improvement. Now, you can continue on enjoying and improving.
--Bob

Bri Loc: NZ

What a difference a day makes.
Happy shooting

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

Nice images... better than the first post. I didn't comment on the first as by the time I read it I think there were already 6 pages of comments. Practice and more practice will improve your skills.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Much, much better. I commented on the first post. I knew you could do it. You and the camera.

boomer826 Loc: Florida gulf coast

Much better, you are on the road to greatness!!

Islandgal Loc: Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Canada

Your Yellowthroat's are fantastic. Kudo's!

CO

Excellent set! The focusing is right on the money. It seems that you were able to get closer to the birds with this set. A wildlife photographer, who gives presentations at my camera club, always talks about getting a catchlight in an animal's eyes. The photos of the Yellowthroat have that. It adds sparkle to the image.

The interaction between the two birds in photo #5 is great.

repleo Loc: Boston

Much better. I think the biggest improvement is that you learned to get closer and fill the frame better.

MikWar Loc: Chicago, Western Suburbs

Thanks! With birds (and other wildlife) you often don't get to choose your distance. But you can choose whether or not the subject is close enough to get a good shoot.

Mike

MikWar Loc: Chicago, Western Suburbs

Thanks! I like #5 too, but I realize the bottom bird is out of focus - I'm sure I could have done something differently, but I'll take this one for now.
Mike

MikWar Loc: Chicago, Western Suburbs

Thanks so much. Credit goes to the Yellowthroat who seemed to be bringing me a bug as a sign of friendship!
Mike

MikWar Loc: Chicago, Western Suburbs

Thanks boomer! I'll just setting for good this week. Perhaps greatness next week...

Mike